Monday, December 25, 2006

We welcomed a little Christmas gift into our wigwam on Friday night as the DiaperTribe arrived on Festivus Eve, almost giving us a "Festivus Miracle". While there was no aluminum pole and no airings of grievances, there was a mighty feat of strength by the DiaBride.

Back to business, because my little boy is all business and was shocked to learn that the Indians were the "front-runners" to add Keith Foulke to the bullpen on a one-year deal, with a likely mutual option. Since mutual options are about as likely to be picked up by both parties, as I am to get any sleep for the rest of my life; it looks like it would be a one-year rental for the Tribe and a one-year showcase for Foulke.

If the Indians can pull it off, it gives them the insurance that they missed out on with Gagne ending up in Texas. Foulke would give the Indians another reliever with extensive closing experience, so most importantly, his addition would allow the Indians to have a closer that’s not 42 years old or born in Indonesia in case Borowski blows up or gets hurt.

Again, nothing is official and Foulke’s agent could simply be driving up Foulke’s price for his other suitors; but the addition of Foulke to the bullpen means that everyone thought to be slotted into the pen gets pushed down a notch and gives the team more flexibility and arms to come out of Winter Haven.

There remains a distinct possibility that Foulke could come to the North Coast as the Tribe closer, with JoeBo assuming set-up duties; but for now, let’s hold off of any real analysis until an official announcement is made.

So, as the Yule Log blazes (admittedly, on ONN), let’s hope that Shapiro gets everything on his list under the tree, like we did here in the wigwam.